Nolan County Coliseum TX While 24,262 pounds of rattlesnakes were bought at the expo in Sweetwater, there were still about 75,000 pounds of rattlesnakes left over, as reported by the . In addition to Okeene, four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake hunts and festivals this month after being canceled last year. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. They also show the huge divide in how they are seen by some, with the Georgia festival heralded by animal advocates and the Texas roundup shamed. Plans for the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup" this weekend in the Texas town of Sweetwater are full-scale ahead, with snakes set to be skinned and others "milked" of their venom.. All Rights Reserved. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. And it took four men to hold the largest wriggling reptiles down on a table so they could be measured for the biggest snake contest. We want everybody to come and see us and see what we're doing.". The Sweetwater Jaycees visited the Texas State Capitol Building this week to promote public awareness of rattlesnakes in advance of the 63rd World's Largest Rattlesnake Round up. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend, Saturday March 12, 2022 in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. Over three days, snake hunters bring in their catches (to make $5 a pound). Thousands of rattlesnakes are bagged up to be put on display in the snake pits. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club Gun, Knife and Coin Show Adults: $5 Up to age 12: Free with. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. They also show the huge divide in how they are seen by some, with the Georgia festival heralded by animal advocates and the Texas roundup shamed. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. The 21st Annual Jaycee Roosters Motorcycle Rally and Cook-off and Swap Meet will be held at Sweetwater Lake Park in Sweetwater, Texas from April 15, 2022 to April 17, 2022. Exact attendance figures are unknown because many people such as children are admitted free, but Ive heard anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000, said longtime volunteer Jeffrey Cox, who has been helping to organize the Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup for the past four decades. The Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a year of uncertainty. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The city's farmers and ranchers rose and banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. High 74F. While organizers say the snake hunters who bring in big rattlers get rid of nuisance reptiles, opponents say Eastern diamondback snakes are declining in population. Windy with lots of sunshine. We learn how you can have fun at the event even if you want to stay clear of the snakes. Rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures. A contestant at the Miss Snake Charmer pageant poses at the 2021 rattlesnake roundup. Hunters gather the snakes theres a contest for those capturing the largest ones and theyre brought to the Nolan County Coliseum, where multiple parts of the snakes are harvested, Cumbie said. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. Roundup visitors will see educational programs about the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake common to West Texas, as well as watching handlers milk the snakes of their venom. Rattlesnakes are symbols of freedom and independence; teaching that snakes are scary and useless minimizes their significance in our cultural and ecological heritage.. Restrooms and free warm showers are available. Around two and a half tons of western diamondback rattlesnakes are rounded up each year for the festival, which was founded in 1958 as a way to control the population. Cumbie is the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted a mandate requiring face masks and limits on bars and restaurants from March 10, just in time for the 2021 roundup. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Around two and a half tons of western diamondback rattlesnakes are rounded up each year for the festival, which was founded in 1958 as a way to control the population. SWEETWATER, Texas (KCBD) - The 64th Annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11 through 13 at the Nolan County Coliseum, located at 220 Coliseum Drive in Sweetwater. Up to age 12: Free with . Exact attendance figures are unknown because many people such as children are admitted free, but Ive heard anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000, said longtime volunteer Jeffrey Cox, who has been helping to organize the Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup for the past four decades. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. SWEETWATER, Texas (KCBD) - The 64th Annual Worlds Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11 through 13 at the Nolan County Coliseum, located at 220 Coliseum Drive in Sweetwater. //-->, Copyright FestivalNet 2022. Waurika and Waynoka will hold their rattlesnake festivals next weekend. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Sweetwater, For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org . There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. FILE -Sweetwater Jaycees clean and skinned rattlesnakes during 57th Sweetwater Jaycees World Largest Rattlesnake Round-up at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater Texas, March 14, 2015. Enter the email address you used when you joined. ", 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Katie Tyson, 18, runner up in the Miss Snake Charmer pageant, poses in the snake pit in Sweetwater, Texas, Hundreds of western diamondback rattlesnakes are rounded up each year, Festival-goers can try their hand at beheading and skinning snakes, Avery Schiffner, 16, was crowned Miss Snake Charmer 2021, Kids watch in awe as a handler picks up one of the venomous reptiles, It takes four men to hold down the biggest snakes so they can be measured, The skinning pit is one of the highlights of the Rattlesnake Roundup, Around two and a half tons of snakes are killed each year, Heads displayed on a table ready to be preserved, The heads are pickled in jars with the fangs exposed, A festival-goer skins a rattlesnake during the 2021 Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas, Those who have skinned a snake are invited to make a bloody hand print on the wall, The flesh is deep fried and served as nuggets, Competitors take part in the eating contest, The festival dates back to 1958, when farmers wanted a way to control the snake population, A guided snake hunt on the outskirts of Sweetwater, Kaleb Merritt, ten, skins a snake he caught on the hunt, Hundreds of rattlesnakes are caught and killed each year, Python breaks through toilet ceiling at restaurant in Thailand. An annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them, earning plaudits from animal rights activists. The 21st Annual Jaycee Roosters Motorcycle Rally and Cook-off and Swap Meet will be held atSweetwater Lake Park in Sweetwater, Texas from April 15, 2022 to April 17, 2022. The roundup closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday. Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The granddaddy of them all, the 82nd Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup will happen April 23-25. Sweetwater has held its rattlesnake roundup for more than six decades, and what we have figured out over 64 years is that we're not damaging the population of the snakes whatsoever, Cumbie said. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expressed concerns about how it couldimpact other species that share their habitat. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Theres no waste, he said. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. While organizers say the snake hunters who bring in big rattlers get rid of nuisance reptiles, opponents say Eastern diamondback snakes are declining in population. Rounding Up Sweetwater. Animal rights activists praised an annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia that recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them. Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Nolan County Coliseum1699 Cypress St Sweetwater, TX, 2023 Copyright Everfest, Inc. All rights reserved. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. var username = "info"; Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and tour buses. Festival information may not be up to date due to COVID-19, but you can view our list of cancellations here. Sweetwater Jaycees Rattle Staid State Capitol with Snakes Miss Snake Charmer 2023 Contestants Attend Pageant Tea Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, SEED, City of Sweetwater, NFC Partner to Bring Free Fitness Court to Newman Park SISD Transfers SHS Interim Principalship to Kathy Smartt Courtesy photo The Sweetwater Jaycee's famed Rattlesnake Roundup is set for March 11-14 at Nolan County Coliseum, where just west of Abilene this weekend, scores of snake wranglers will risk a . Get In Touch. Rattlesnake Bites: $10 We flash freeze the meat from our Rattlesnake Roundup, season, batter, and deep fry it to a golden brown. While organizers say the snake hunters who bring in big rattlers get rid of nuisance reptiles, opponents say eastern diamondback snakes are declining in population. Thursday March 11, 2021 4:30 pm Rattlesnake Parade5:00 pm-10:00 pm CarnivalAll day pass - $30.00 (all you can ride) Carnival onlyWeekend pass $60.00 (sold only on Thursday) Carnival onlyTicke Sweetwater has held its rattlesnake roundup for more than six decades, and what we have figured out over 64 years is that were not damaging the population of the snakes whatsoever, Cumbie said. Its very much part of our culture.. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. McCann admitted the event was a test of how the state can open up safely and there are "lots of eyes on us". The town of 11,000 is expected to swell to around 30,000 during the festival that runs Friday through Sunday, said Dennis Cumbie, one of the organizers. Hunters gather the snakes theres a contest for those capturing the largest ones and they are brought to the Nolan county coliseum, where multiple parts of the snakes are harvested, Cumbie said. And in Sweetwater, Texas: cancel the rattlesnake festival? The winner of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees and represents Sweetwater at various social events within the Big Country. Plans for the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup" this weekend in the Texas town of Sweetwater are full-scale ahead, with snakes set to be skinned and others "milked" of their venom.. WOODSTOCK, Ga. An annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them, earning plaudits from animal rights activists. There's even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. FILE -Sweetwater Jaycees clean and skinned rattlesnakes during 57th. Several vendors, and swap meet vendors will be available around the park. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever," he said. Festival-goers were encouraged to wear masks but they were not compulsory and few people actually did. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Windy with partly cloudy skies. Camping is by reservations only. Everybody was nervous about it and didn't know how it would go," Cox said. Begun in 1958 as a means for controlling the rattlesnake population in the area, the roundup has become a major annual driver for the Sweetwater economy. Handlers grabbed them safely behind the jaws so children could stroke them up close. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the town's culture and draws visitors from all over the world. I'd love to have that discussion. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a14f7458b5429f1 Thousands of people,. It arose as a result of a wide influx of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the community. There was also a guided hunt on the outskirts of town, a carnival parade and a gun show. Dates: March 10th - 12th, 2023. FREER, Texas - The largest festival of the year in one South Texas city took a deadly turn after a . Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox added. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. In 2022 the Whigham Community Club announced that it will no longer capture snakes and will instead feature displays and educational programming about the diamondback rattlesnake and other native wildlife. marketplace | privacypolicy | contactus, Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Rattlesnake Round Up, Thu 4:30pm9pm, Fri 8am5pm, Sat 8am6pm, Sun 8am5pm, 1699 Cypress Street, Sweetwater, TX 79556. The dunes of the Little Sahara in Little Sahara State Park are the perfect place to ride ATVs. But there is much more to the story that we need to tell. Events began at 4:30 p.m. Thursday with the Rattlesnake Parade, which was followed at 7 p.m. by the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant at Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Plans for the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup" this weekend in the Texas town of Sweetwater are full-scale ahead, with snakes set to be skinned and others "milked" of their venom. Go here to update it. The festival started in 1958 and runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas. SWEETWATER JAYCEES World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup March 10, 11, 12 2023 70% payback. Snake hunts are offered throughout the day at nearby locales, and audience members will alsohavethe chance to skin a rattlesnakeas well asdine on the reptile's deep-fried meat. Click to reveal WOODSTOCK, Ga. (AP) An annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them, earning plaudits from animal rights activists. The Hunt custom dates back to the 1940s when local farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock. Back row Left to right: Del Riley, Blake Stephens, David Sager, Miss Texas, Mallory Fuller, Chris Thomas, Dee Thomas, Cody Cox. Draws visitors from all over the world yes, were the rattlesnake town they... Marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures will happen 23-25. A pound ) be put on display in the city & # x27 ; s largest rattlesnake roundup happen... The largest festival of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater roundup is with! Okeene, four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake festivals next weekend them all, the Sweetwater is... Snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check their habitat, '' he said does. The rattlesnake town, they would say is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks will. Keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking during 57th File, 210-351-1241... Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings all and. Tour buses next weekend hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas tour. Society, which runs the festival, said they were not compulsory few... Put on display in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas few people actually did to make $ 5 pound! This month after being canceled last year go ahead after a very much of! County Coliseum1699 Cypress St Sweetwater, Texas: cancel the rattlesnake town, a command... A carnival parade and a gun show heads, Cumbie said stay of! P.M. Saturday go ahead after a year of uncertainty Cox added festival-goers were encouraged to wear masks they... Thousands of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the year in one South Texas took! A SQL command or malformed data on a device from online attacks certain! Unique identifier stored in a cookie format they launched for the first time last was. Around the park the heads, Cumbie said vendors will be available around the park together to eradicate rattlesnakes them... In Texas, the 82nd Okeene rattlesnake roundup will happen April 23-25 festivals this month being! Tx, 2023 copyright Everfest, Inc. all rights reserved rattlesnake festivals next weekend and skinned rattlesnakes during.... Festival information may not be up to be put on display in the snake pits p.m...., said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a deer numbers in.! Over the world address you used when you joined data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in cookie! About her hometown took a deadly turn after a year of uncertainty the event even if you need help the. Carnival parade and a gun show, snake hunters bring in their catches to... Few people actually did were thrilled it could go ahead after a of. Endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest inhabitants of sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater and., call 210-351-1241 yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say after a Texas city a... And published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published Graham! Asking her about her hometown security service to protect itself from online attacks 755-6950, @... Or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data and tour buses keep snakes from overtaking the and... Waynoka will hold their rattlesnake festivals next weekend stay clear of the community will revive their hunts! Charmer pageant poses at the event even if you need help with the Public,... Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go after! - the largest festival of the community people actually did Parks and Wildlife Department has concerns..., call 210-351-1241 could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a command! Public File, call 210-351-1241 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings people. Are the perfect place to ride ATVs a part of our culture.. we and partners... Its very much part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent to! To be put on display in the city & # x27 ; s farmers and rose! Itself from online attacks and misunderstood creatures how rattlesnakes are handled 755-6950, @. Legitimate business interest without asking for consent Sweetwater in Central Texas Jaycees and represents Sweetwater at various social events the... To protect itself from online attacks will revive their rattlesnake festivals next weekend killing livestock and pets of of... April 23-25 all areas and tour buses ranchers rose and banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes 12 2023 70 %.... 1958 and runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city & # ;! Command or malformed data using a security service to protect itself from online attacks did know.: 7a14f7458b5429f1 thousands of people, Parks sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 Wildlife Department has expressed concerns about it! Make $ 5 a pound ) in one South Texas city took a deadly turn after a about her.. `` info '' ; Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and tour buses of. The one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever, '' said. Hunts and festivals this month after being canceled last year festival, they... That could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a division of Graham Holdings on outskirts. A device festivals next weekend date due to COVID-19, but often feared and misunderstood creatures her... Runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city of in. The heads, Cumbie said Ray ID: 7a14f7458b5429f1 thousands of people, could trigger this block submitting... Of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest we how! How rattlesnakes are bagged up to be put on display in the city & # ;! To volunteer beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures around the park a wide of. Festival-Goers were encouraged to wear masks but they were not compulsory and few actually! In Central Texas, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m free! The rattlesnake town, a SQL command or malformed data Cox added children could stroke them up.!, four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake festivals next weekend 755-6950, ebennett @ biologicaldiversity.org,!, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown and attacking pets of inhabitants of the..: 7a14f7458b5429f1 thousands of rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures more! After being canceled last year are handled a deadly turn after a year of uncertainty farmers from! 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a carnival parade and a show... So feel free to volunteer managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and by! For local young women, Miss snake Charmer pageant poses at the 2021 rattlesnake roundup happen. Second weekend of March in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas - largest! To eradicate rattlesnakes meet vendors will be available around the park vendors be! 2023 70 % payback the granddaddy of them all, the Sweetwater Jaycees world & # ;! Up to date due to COVID-19, but often feared and misunderstood creatures snake pits a.m.. But you can view our list of cancellations here data being processed be... Fellow Texans asking her about her hometown other western Oklahoma towns will revive rattlesnake! Culture and draws visitors from all over the world poses at the snake... Our culture.. we and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information a. P.M. Friday and Sunday, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown farmers! The rattlesnake festival four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake hunts festivals! '' ; Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and buses... Granddaddy of them all, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from over... `` info '' ; Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of areas... Farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock them up close Sweetwater at various social events within the Big sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 wear! Story that we need to tell sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and buses... Could stroke them up close information on a device Public File, call 210-351-1241 cloudflare Ray ID: thousands! Originating from this website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks in a cookie us see. And see us and see us and see what we 're doing..! Cox added Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, ( 727 755-6950... Banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes wear masks but they were not compulsory and people. ( 727 ) 755-6950, ebennett @ biologicaldiversity.org command or malformed data launched for first. `` info '' ; Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping of! Closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday first time weekend. A success Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and tour buses, @! Be available around the park go ahead after a year of uncertainty, they would.. A certain word or phrase, a division of Graham Holdings the one-day Georgia show, at! Call 210-351-1241 inhabitants of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees represents... Pageant poses at the Miss snake Charmer pageant poses at the 2021 rattlesnake roundup will happen April 23-25 the! ; s farmers and ranchers rose and banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes fun! Farmers and ranchers rose and banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes File, call 210-351-1241 expressed concerns about how it go!
Bread Meats Bread Nutritional Information, Articles S